For Release: Thursday, May 14, 2009
DEC, Suffolk County Monitoring Fish Kill in Meetinghouse and Reeves Creeks
Event Appears to be a Natural Occurrence
On Friday, May 9, early signs of a fish kill were detected in the Meetinghouse and Reeves Creeks in Suffolk County. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has determined that the fish were almost exclusively adult menhaden (aka "bunker"), ranging approximately 1 to 2 pounds in size. A few bluefish and very small numbers of other species also died. Estimated numbers of fish killed in this event is in the hundreds of thousands. The event appears to be a natural occurrence.
The extent of this kill appears limited to Meetinghouse and Reeves Creeks and the adjacent areas, including Indian Island Suffolk County Park.
Large schools of menhaden enter Long Island waters in the spring, followed closely by schools of bluefish, a major predator. The menhaden may enter confined areas, such as tidal creeks, and become trapped by the feeding bluefish. When extremely large numbers of fish concentrate in a relatively small area, oxygen is rapidly depleted from the water, causing stress and death to the fish and many other aquatic organisms.
Suffolk County Health Department and Stony Brook University were monitoring the water quality in Meetinghouse Creek, and their information is consistent with a determination that the kill was due to natural causes. DEC has taken samples from the site for further analysis and is continuing to monitor the creek to further rule out other possible causes.
DEC does not manage the "clean up" of fish kills in the marine waters of the state. Removal efforts are sometimes provided by local sanitary or highway departments, though waterfront property owners are often forced to either clean up themselves or live with the smelly mess for a week or more.
